Published Jun 13, 2016 at 1:02 AM

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Sunday's Tony Awards saw the four major musical acting honors going to people of color, a first in the show’s 70-year history.

The annual celebration of achievement in theater came some 6 months after the Oscar nominations -- which were widely chastised for ignoring the contributions of minority performers.

Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry and Daveed Diggs took home the top trophies at the 2016 Tonys. Erivo won for her starring role in "The Color Purple"; Odom Jr., Goldsberry and Diggs for their work in "Hamilton."

"Think of tonight as the Oscars, but with diversity," host James Corden said in his opening monologue.

Broadway has long been an inclusive arena. In 1982, three actors of color from "Dreamgirls" won musical acting awards.

"There are stories to be told and there are people who want to hear them," director Thomas Kail said, accepting the Tony for his work on "Hamilton."

"Growing up, I felt like there was no place for me here," Diggs told reporters after his win. "Having been a part of this season, I look around and see it's so inclusive. There is so much diversity on Broadway right now. I'm very proud to be a part of it."